Negotiations

  • Discussion iconAnoka-Hennepin Schools values the dedication of its staff members and recognizes that all employees have a shared goal and mission: To effectively educate each student for success. 

    The district aims to work collaboratively with bargaining groups in alignment with Policy 209, the negotiations code of ethics, which details guiding principles and practices in reaching agreements with Anoka-Hennepin employment contracts:

    • Provide accurate, timely and complete information to employees and the general public.

    • Respectfully and fairly participate in the negotiation process.

    • Maintain support of the district, its schools and its staff.

    • Make every reasonable effort to arrive at a responsible settlement for each contract.

  • Our staff

    Anoka-Hennepin Schools employs approximately 7,500 staff members at over 50 sites. District staff are associated with 19 employee groups:

    • Five policy groups (non-bargaining units): Administrators/Supervisors, the Superintendent’s Cabinet, Miscellaneous Community Education, Confidentials and Miscellaneous E-12.

    • 14 bargaining groups:

      • 2022-24 Master Agreements: Building Supervisors, Education Office Professionals, Paraeducators, School/Kindergarten Readiness teachers.

      • 2023-25 Master Agreements: Child Nutrition Assistants, Community School Coordinators.

      • Contracts currently open: Child Nutrition Site Supervisors, Custodians, Education Support Specialists, Principals, School Office Supervisors, Special Education Program Supervisors, Teachers, Technical Specialists.

Comparing the district and AHEM union proposals

  • Anoka Hennepin Education Minnesota (AHEM) has provided two financial proposals, and the district has countered with two financial proposals. The information below compares current salaries and benefits of an entry level, mid-career and top of the salary schedule AHEM member and how proposals presented by the district and the union would result in increased salary and benefits over the next two years if approved as presented. 

    Current salary and benefit information is based on the 2021-23 contract. Union members continue to receive salary and benefits contained in their current contract until a new contract is approved.

    Graphics are best viewed on a desktop computer or on a mobile device in landscape mode. PDFs are also provided for ease of viewing.

    Average compensation package (PDF)

    Average compensation package

    New teacher with bachelor's degree (PDF)

    First year teacher with bachelor's degree

    Mid-career teacher with master's degree (PDF)

    Mid-career teacher with master's degree

    Teacher at the top of the salary schedule (PDF)

    Teacher at top of salary schedule

  • Background: How budget impacts salaries and benefits

    The district’s $610 million general fund budget is the main funding source for employee salaries and benefits. Revenue in this fund is determined by the basic general education formula along with local property taxes and federal funding sources. 

    By the numbers:

    • Salaries and benefits are approximately 82% of the General Fund budget, totaling $498 million.

    When adjusting salaries and benefits, the district considers offers and settlements for employee compensation which are economically attainable and will not compromise the general well-being of students, while balancing funding the district is allocated to receive from the state based on the basic general education formula. 

    • A proposed 1% increase on salaries and benefits = $4.98 million expenditure from the general fund.

    • A 1% increase on the basic general education formula = $2.87 million in revenue for the district.

    Breaking it down: In the legislative session that concluded in the spring of 2023, Anoka-Hennepin Schools received a 4% increase on the basic general education formula for fiscal year 2024, which is equal to $11.5 million. 

    The School Board approved the General Fund budget for the 2023-24 school year, which includes a 2.5% increase in salaries and 5% increase in benefits for all employee groups.

Status of open contracts with Anoka-Hennepin bargaining groups

Expand All

  • Child Nutrition Site Supervisors

  • Custodians

  • Education support specialists

  • Principals and assistant principals

  • School office supervisors

  • Special education program supervisors

  • Teachers (K-12, ABE/ECFE)

  • Technical specialists

  • Note: Consistent with open meeting law and Public Employee Labor Relations Act (PELRA) - detailed negotiation discussions are addressed in closed sessions of the School Board.

Labor Relations and Benefits presentation, Nov. 13, 2023 School Board meeting.

Labor Relations and Benefits presentation, Nov. 27, 2023 School Board meeting.